Duke’s POV

It’s been a few days since Cooper ran away and I gave him enough candy to make up for all of the mistakes, and enough huge as well. I couldn’t do anything, unless I was holding onto him in some way or another, but I was glad that Cooper still wanted to be near me. We haven’t seen Jules in a while, so we decided to make him a thank you present.

Cooper made Jules a bracelet out of string and beads. I’m not as crafty so I ended up buying him a silver bracelet that I had Jules' name engraved into. I’m not exactly sure where she lives, but I’m hoping that we’ll be able to find her.

Cooper also drew Jules a picture of the three of us together, even though it just looks like 3 potatoes with legs. I’m sure that unlike me, Jules will be able to tell what the drawing is right away.

We ended up getting lucky, and instead of going out to look for the omega, Jules came to us. I opened the door, and looked down at the familiar blonde beauty. She was wearing a lovely purple gown, and her hair was tied up by a ribbon of the same color. She smiled at me as I let her into our house.

“Jules!” Cooper attacked Jules with a hug as soon as he saw her. Jules picked him up and spun him around as best as she could.

“Hello Cooper, sorry to drop by so suddenly. I just really missed you guys!” Jules beamed at us and my insides warmed for some reason.

“I miss you too! Daddy and I got a surprise for you!” Cooper beat me to it, “Close your eyes”

The omega looked surprised but heeded Cooper’s demand. I brought out the bracelets, and gave Cooper his one to give Jules. He placed it into her hand before telling her to look. She opened her eyes and inspected it with the biggest smile ever, “I love it, Cooper. You made this for me? I’m going to put it on right now”

I watched her tie the strings together more elegantly than I could have ever managed, before handing over my gift, “I got this for you as a thank you for bringing my son back home to me, safe and sound. I don’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t have come back”

Jules’ eyes widened as I secured the bracelet around his dainty wrists, “I-I don’t know what to say. It’s beautiful, Duke. Thank you so much! You didn’t have to do all this”

I gave him a small smile only to grunt as his small frame slammed into me for a big hug. Cooper squeezed his way between us and demanded that he be included in this hugging session.

“Have you eaten yet?” I asked him hoping that the answer would be no.

“Actually I haven’t. Why do you ask?” This was my chance.

“Cooper and I were about to go on a picnic and wanted to know if you would like to come with us? I haven’t made anything yet, so if the two of you could sit tight I would appreciate it” I explained, but I still had no clue what I was going to make. The only thing that I know how to make is stew.

“Nonsense, if you would allow it, I’d love to help you prepare our meal. I love cooking, but unfortunately I’m not able to do it very often!” He pleaded with me.

“If you insist” I shrugged my shoulders. I was very curious about what he would end up making.

I watched him scurry around my kitchen, looking in all of the pantries and cupboards to see what we had, before finally deciding. He sliced up the bread, and placed some lettuce, and chicken between the slices. After he packed the sandwiches, he cut up some fruit and packed that up. It was simple yet perfect for the occasion.

“I know it’s not very fancy, but I figured this would be best considering we won’t have access to any kitchen” He looked bashful waiting for my response.

“Don’t worry. The meal looks delicious, and I’m sure Cooper will be glad to have something other than stew for a change. No matter how big this house is, I don’t like having servants, so I don’t have any. Unfortunately that means that I have to make do with my subpar culinary skills” I reassured Jules.

I carried Cooper who complained about being too tired to walk in one arm and the basket in the other despite Jules’ complaints. There was no struggle in this simple task. When we got to a particularly beautiful clearing, Jules’ claimed it was the perfect spot to have our meal, and promptly spread out the blanket for us to sit on.

I plopped Cooper onto the blanket who tested out the blanket by rolling around on it. I shook my head at him while Jules just giggled at his antics. I brought out the food, and distributed it to everyone once we were all settled. I must have looked like a madman when I started devouring my sandwich, and I only stopped when I heard the slight tinkle of his laugh.

I blushed and apologized sheepishly for my behavior. He just waved me off, “So Alpha Duke, I wish to know more about you. So far, I only know that you are the father of a rowdy but adorable little boy”

“Well there’s not much to know. I became the Alpha of the McAlpine pack at the age of 15 when my parents were killed in battle. I am the only child and was the sole heir to the throne, so I had to take the position. It was fine though, considering I had been preparing for it since I was born” He looked at me with wide eyes, and I realized that I must have overshared, “I’m sorry. That was probably not what you wanted to know. I’m afraid I’m not too great at conversing”

“That’s okay, Duke. It’s not like I gave you a topic to talk about. Though sad, I appreciate you trusting me enough to share it with me. I’m not one to judge about conversing skills, as I’m forever locked away like some fair maiden” I started to get concerned at the end of his words.

“What do you mean by locked away? Is someone holding you hostage? Do you need help?” If he was being held against his will, I was more than willing to lend a hand.

“I’m not in any danger, in fact it’s quite the opposite. My parents are super protective of me, so they have forced me to a life of boredom. The public doesn’t even know of my existence, and the only times that I’m allowed out of the house is when I escape through my window, like I did to be here right now.” He explains with a sigh.

“I’m sorry to hear of your miseries. If I may? Why do your parents go to such lengths to keep you protected?” He looked at me nervously and I shot him what I hoped was a reassuring smile.

“I suppose I trust you enough to share my secrets. I’m sorry if you feel deceived but I am not female. I am actually a male omega” Now I was very surprised.

I wasn’t quite sure what to say, and I could tell that the suspense was killing Jules, “A male omega. No wonder they keep you locked up. I suppose I would want to keep Cooper as safe as possible if he had presented as such. Don’t be frightened, it doesn’t bother me. I was quite shocked to find out that the beautiful girl that I had met was actually a beautiful boy”

The relief was extremely evident and he gave me a big hug to ensure that I was aware, “Oh thank you so much Duke! I’ve really cherished our friendship, and I don’t know what I would have done if you had turned out to hate me”

“I could never hate you for something that you could not control. It is illogical” He gave me another one of his bright smiles.

“That is very wise of you, Duke” He teases me

“Are you calling me old? I’ll have you know that I am only 30 years of age” I took the bait

“Wow you are old! I am just 16, but sometimes I feel as if I’ve been on this planet for a century” I have been having feelings for practically a child. I am definitely going to hell.

“Daddy is old! He can’t even get out of bed” Of course Cooper had to share his thoughts on the matter.

“Is that so? Tell me more about your daddy, Coop” This was something that I was very against.

“Daddy is grumpy and a big meanie! He calls me Pooper, and I no like it!” I knew he was going to bring that up.

“Yeah well sometimes the name fits you better” I grabbed him and tickled him.

“I’m sure that’s not true. You’re always a good boy, right Coop?” Jules smiled at the little boy.

“Yes!” Cooper got out of my hold and took another bite of his sandwich, “Daddy I want to be wolfy now!”

Before I could say no, the boy was getting naked and changed into his little wolf. He yipped at me, and I knew that he wanted me to shift and play with him, “Do you mind if I shift? He is going to throw a tantrum if I don’t. Actually would you like to shift too? I’m sure Cooper will love to play with you”

“I would love to. I can’t remember the last time I could shift outside of the manor walls. I’m a little shy though, so I would appreciate it if you could avert your eyes while I shift” I immediately moved my sight away from him as he changed. I took the opportunity to shift myself.

My wolf was very excited at the prospect of playing with Jules’ wolf. He thought that his wolf was very cute, especially considering Jules’ wolf matched his human stature. Cooper whined at us until we gave him the attention he wanted, and started chasing the hyperactive pup around. Eventually we gave up, and just let him burn his energy off in the stream while we watched. I was surprised when I felt a smaller wolf nestle up into my side. I opened up a little more to let him cuddle up even more, and enjoyed the feeling of another person (wolf) that I haven’t felt since I was a young pup.

I couldn’t help but feel oddly complete when Cooper decided he was tired and came over to us and nestled into Jules. What is wrong with me? If only Jules’ was older, he would be absolutely perfect for me. I knew that Jules hated being locked away at his house, and if I could I would destroy every wall that stands in his way. As it is, my wolf wants to keep him like this forever, though I’m not too sure Jules would appreciate being locked away again in a different manner.

For now I just revelled in the feeling of his presence while I had it. I watched him lick Cooper all over to clean him, while Cooper whined and squirmed in protest. That was something that mother wolves did to thor young, and I knew it was an innocent action, but I couldn’t help but feel giddy at the thought of raising pups with this omega.

Do I really like Jules this much or am I just so lonely that I’m willing to cling to the first omega I have had contact with in a long time. Though when I try to imagine cuddling with another omega, I am only met with repulsion. I guess Jules really has wormed his way into my heart in such a short amount of time. Pathetic isn’t it? Jules, surely doesn’t want an old man as his mate. He deserves a strapping young lad who will sweep him off his feet, not a grouchy Alpha with baggage. How I wish I was young again.